Pine Valley hears concerns on boys’ soccer

December 15, 2012

SOUTH DAYTON - Parents, students and coaches are voicing their opinions regarding the elimination of boys' soccer.

The school has decided to eliminate the team due to budgetary constraints and lack of interest from students. J.W. Johnston, a parent, addressed the Pine Valley Board of Education regarding the lack of a boys' soccer team.

"We were all sad to see it go by the wayside," Johnston said.

According to Johnston, 25 students are interested in playing the sport next year. While football is offered, students can have more opportunities with soccer, Johnston said. Students playing soccer have the potential to go further in playoffs and more scholarships are available to players.

"It'd be smart to put soccer back in the budget," Johnston said. "You have a bunch of kids that want to play and a coach that wants to coach."

Superintendent Pete Morgante said the biggest issue with the team was having interested students.

"Students are interested but when it comes to practice no one shows up," he said.

In the past, the boys' team would have girls playing on it. As interest among female students grew, the girls' soccer team was developed. Currently there are too many girls on the team, Morgante said. The board will have to make a "decision quick" since budget time is upcoming. The board will further look into the matter at a later date.

The board also approved Mark Gierszewski as building maintenance mechanic. David Pihlblad's appointment for long-term social studies substitute was extended to June 30, 2013 and Jackie Dybka was approved as a bus driver and food service helper substitute.